Harry Dresden

Created by Jim Butcher

When it comes to private eying, Harry’s a real wiz.

Literally.

HARRY BLACKSTONE COPPERFIELD DRESDEN is Chicago’s only listed wizard and a PI, solving cases of the supernatural kind, occassionally even working with the Chicago PD, in a popular series of novels collectively known as “The Dresden Files.”

Mind you, this ain’t your grandpa’s Chicago — it’s an “alternate” Chicago where magic is real, even if only a few actually believe in it. And Harry’s no genial magician pulling rabbits out of a hat or plucking candy from the ears of wide-eyed children. Nope, he’s a rather irascible grump who regularly gives the magical establishment indigestion. But he is the only wizard listed in the Chicago phone book.

Harry services include “Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations. Consulting. Advice,” and he offers “Reasonable Rates.” But he’s also picky about what he will and will not do. So don’t come knocking on his door for “love potions, endless purses, parties or other entertainment” — any self-respecting wizard/private eye’s gotta draw the line somewhere.

The series has proven to be quite popular, drawing fans of both the mystery and fantasy genres, so it wasn’t too much of a surprise to hear that the Sci-Fi Channel even aired a television series in 2007, with Paul Blackthorne as Harry. The series only lasted a season, but the books have continued to hit the bestseller lists ever since, and may have helped spark renewed interest in Glen Cook’s similarly themed Garrett series.